How much do you plan your clothes buys?

[ReadyForSeason]

I always have a “need” list of items with very clear specifications and I find getting the most wear out of these sometimes boring, sometimes accent items. I spend a bit more on these, enjoy researchIng and generally do not regret the investment.

It’s rare for me to buy something on a whim, though it does happen occasionally - I have leant the hard way to mull over for too long, as things sell out. I have an only few of these love at first site items, that are hard-working in my wardrobe.

And then there is an occasional cringe impulse buy that hangs like a silent reproach and ends up donated to charity… This is where I am getting better at making less mistakes.

Please share your shopping strategies just for bants on a cold January night…

Hopefully you do arrive at a concert hall or theatre with specific ideas of what you're there for.

No - I go - initially - for the interpretation in the moment of a script or score. Or complete improvisation of course!

The theatre is over in a few hours.

But 99% of the experience is the memory one retains of the performance - it’s a very long term thing for me. (And may influence my view of the world forever after.)

I don't care about the Zeitgeist.

Mmm … I definitely do! I care as much about the world seen through the eyes of designers as I do about the varied visions of artists, poets, composers, architects, etc. I’d find the world exceedingly dull otherwise.

I care as much about the world seen through the eyes of designers as I do about the varied visions of artists, poets, composers, architects, etc. I’d find the world exceedingly dull otherwise.

But why does this mean you have to dress according to these particular designers? There must be other designers whom you're shunning whose work you do not choose to wear. There are many artists out there; are you all the time replacing the art on your walls because someone out there is 'seeing the world' in another way, irrespective of whether you like the art? Listening to music because it's new rather than because you're enjoying it?

Where does your own taste come in?

I have a very specific work look - knee-ish length (winter) or long (summer) patterned skirt with jumper/cardigan or wide leg trousers with patterned blouse - and only replace when these wear out and generally with the same, two of my skirts are nearly 20 years old.

'Own clothes', I generally buy quite carefully and with a specific idea in mind to fill a gap. I think it comes from living abroad and stocking up when we came over in the summer, I had a very specific brief as it had to last 12 months.

You didn't direct your question at me but are you suggesting people who enjoy fashion choose to wear things they don't like purely because they're in fashion?
If yes, where are you getting that idea from?

Art on the wall? We change it around all the time (not that any of it's valuable).

I don't think, 'I've got loads of books already and Jane Austin and Charles Dickens are such great writers that I don't need to read anyone new'.

Same with clothes. Life changes and taste evolves.

Or have I misunderstood you? Apologies if I have.